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Background: Nutritional anemia is highly prevalent and has triggered a globally recognized public health concern worldwide., Objective: To better understand the prevalence of anemia and the state of nutritional health in developed countries to inform global nutritional health and better manage the disease., Method: We employed the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP)-2020 National Inpatient Health Care Data (NIS), administered by The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Nutritional anemia was diagnosed according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10). Matching analysis and multivariate regression were used to adjust for patient and hospital characteristics. Controls were obtained by stratifying and matching for age and sex., Results: The 2020 HCUP-NIS database encompassed a survey over 6.4 million hospitalized patients, among which 1,745,350 patients diagnosed with anemia, representing approximately 26.97% of the hospitalized population, over 310,000 were diagnosed with nutritional anemia, and 13,150 patients were hospitalized for nutritional anemia as primary diagnosis. Hospitalization rate for nutritional anemia exhibited an increased age-dependent increase nationwide, especially among females, who displayed 1.87 times higher than males. Notably, in comparison to the control group, individuals of the Black race exhibit a higher prevalence of nutritional anemia (case group: 21.7%, control group: 13.0%, p < 0.001). In addition, hospitalization rates were higher among low-income populations, with lower rates of private insurance (case group: 18.7%, control group: 23.5%, p < 0.001) and higher rates of Medicaid insurance (case group: 15.4%, control group: 13.9%, p < 0.001). In areas characterized by larger urban centers and advanced economic conditions within the urban-rural distribution, there was an observed increase in the frequency of patient hospitalizations. Iron deficiency anemia emerged as the predominant subtype of nutritional anemia, accounting for 12,214 (92.88%). Secondary diagnosis among patients hospitalized for nutritional anemia revealed that a significant number faced concurrent major conditions like hypertension and renal failure., Conclusion: In economically prosperous areas, greater attention should be given to the health of low-income individuals and the older adult. Our findings hold valuable insights for shaping targeted public health policies to effectively address the prevalence and consequences of nutritional anemia based on a overall population health., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Tian, Fan, Wei, Li, Yang, Na and Zhang.)

Anemia is a major public health concern. Young children, menstruating adolescent girls and women, and pregnant women are among the most vulnerable. Anemia is the consequence of a wide range of causes, including biological, socioeconomic, and ecological risk factors. Primary causes include: iron deficiency; inherited red blood cell disorders; infections, such as soil-transmitted helminthiasis, schistosomiasis, and malaria; gynecological and obstetric conditions; and other chronic diseases that lead to blood loss, decreased erythropoiesis, or destruction of erythrocytes. The most vulnerable population groups in low- and middle-income countries are often at the greatest risk to suffer from several of these causes simultaneously as low socioeconomic status is linked with an increased risk of anemia through multiple pathways. Targeted and effective action is needed to prevent anemia. Understanding the causes and risk factors of anemia for different population subgroups within a country guides the design and implementation of effective strategies to prevent and treat anemia. A coordinated approach across various expert groups and programs could make the best use of existing data or could help to determine when newer and more relevant data may need to be collected, especially in countries with a high anemia burden and limited information on the etiology of anemia., (© 2023 The Authors. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of New York Academy of Sciences.)

Copper deficiency is a known cause of anemia and neutropenia that is easily remedied with copper supplementation. Copper is primarily absorbed in the stomach and proximal duodenum, so patients receiving enteral nutrition via methods that bypass this critical region may be at increased risk for copper deficiency. In pediatrics, postpyloric enteral feeding is increasingly utilized to overcome problems related to aspiration, severe reflux, poor gastric motility, and gastric outlet obstruction. However, little is known about the prevalence of copper deficiency in this population. We describe three pediatric patients receiving exclusive jejunal feeds who developed cytopenias secondary to copper deficiency., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective: To obtain a pooled risk estimate on the long-term impact of anaemia and related nutritional deficiencies in patients receiving Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery., Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis., Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched to identify English reports published before 16 May 2014., Eligibility Criteria: Articles with case numbers >100, follow-up period >12 months, and complete data from both before and after surgery were selected. Outcomes of interest were changes in baseline measurements of proportion of patients with anaemia, by haemoglobin, haematocrit, ferritin, iron, vitamin B12 and folate levels., Data Collection and Analysis: Two reviewers independently reviewed data and selected six prospective and nine retrospective studies with a total of 5909 patients. A random effect model with inverse variance weighting was used to calculate summary estimates of outcomes at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months postoperatively., Results: Proportion of patients with anaemia was 12.2% at baseline, which, respectively, increased to 20.9% and 25.9% at 12 and 24 months follow-up, consistent with decreases in haemoglobin and haematocrit levels. Although the serum iron level did not change substantially after surgery, the frequency of patients with ferritin deficiency increased from 7.9% at baseline to 13.4% and 23.0% at 12 and 24 months, respectively, postoperation. Vitamin B12 deficiency increased from 2.3% at baseline to 6.5% at 12 months after surgery in those subjects receiving RYGB. There was no obvious increase in folate deficiency., Conclusions: RYGB surgery is associated with an increased risk of anaemia and deficiencies of iron and vitamin B12, but not folate. Ferritin is more sensitive when serum iron level is within normal range., (Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.)

Background: Anemia, characterized by a decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin, results in insufficient tissue oxygenation. Nutritional anemia, a prevalent issue in countries like India, particularly affects adolescents and women of reproductive age. Adolescence, crucial for adult development, imposes heightened nutritional demands. Iron deficiency, a common cause of anemia in young females, is associated with compromised leucocyte bactericidal activity. This study explores the impact of anemia on leucocyte and platelet counts. Methodology: The study involved 40 females (18-24 years) with Hb>12gm% in the control group and anemic females (Hb<6gm%) from SLN Hospital. Informed consent was obtained, and subjects were selected based on history and examination. Hemoglobin, leucocyte count, differential count, platelet count, and the L ratio were measured using an electronic cell counter. Statistical analysis employed descriptive statistics and SPSS, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: In anaemic females, the mean hemoglobin was 5.81±1.71, significantly lower than the control group (13.61±1.09). Total leucocyte count was higher in anaemia, with a significant rise in neutrophils and a decrease in monocytes and eosinophils. Platelet count significantly decreased, and the N/L ratio was higher in anaemia (p<0.01). Discussion: Nutritional anemia remains prevalent, impacting physical and mental well-being, especially in children and reproductive-age women. Iron's role in blood cell maturation is vital, and its deficiency compromises immune cell activity. The study aligns with prior research on increased neutrophils in anemia. Lower oxidative stress prolongs neutrophil lifespan, compensating for reduced phagocytic activity. Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia is associated with reversible arachidonic acid-induced platelet dysfunction, emphasizing the importance of iron replenishment. The study concludes that anemia induces hypoxia, contributing to inflammation, ischemic damage, increased myocardial workload, thrombocytopenia, altered leucocyte counts, and an elevated N/L ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sublingual methylcobalamin for the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia in children. Methods: A single arm intervention study was conducted between November, 2020 and April, 2022 in children aged 1–12 years with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Children aged 1–6 years received a tablet of methylcobalamin (1500 mcg) by sublingual route every alternate day (three doses) while those aged 7–12 years received five such doses. Thereafter, one such sublingual tablet was given weekly and all participants were followed-up for 6 weeks. Results: 37 children with a mean (SD) age of 8.2 (4.1) years were treated and followed-up. On day 10, no child needed rescue therapy with parenteral methylcobalamin. After 6 weeks, the mean (SD) serum cobalamin increased from 123.3 (35.5) pg/mL to 507.3 (274.2) pg/mL (P<0.001), plasma homocysteine decreased from 48.9 (17.8) µmol/L to 16.3 (8.5) µmol/L (P<0.001), the mean (SD) hemoglobin increased by 2.3 (1.1) g/dL (P<0.001), and MCV decreased by 12.9 (6.8) fL (P<0.001). 67.6% children persisted to have anemia, albeit majority of them had mild or moderate anemia. There were no unsolicited side-effects reported. Conclusion: Sublingual methylcobalamin is effective for the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia in children; although, the duration of treatment needs to be longer than six weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Anemia is one of the major public health problem more commonly encountered in both developed as well as developing countries1 . Various causes for anaemia are nutritional deficiencies, infectious diseases and chronic blood loss. Nutritional anemia is the most widespread nutritional disorder in the world affecting 500 million to 1 billion individuals4 . The most vulnerable population for nutritional anaemia is Adolescents aged 10-19 years. Most of the anemia initiatives are directed towards maternity and early childhood, there is not much attention shown towards adolescent population. This study was conducted to throw light on attitude towards nutritional anemia among undergraduate medical students by using Health belief model. Study Methodology: This study was conducted in a private medical college at Chengelpet district of Tamil Nadu. 122 students from first year were selected by using universal sampling method. A self administered questionnaire comprising of two parts was used to collect data, first part was general information about the participants and second part were questions under five factors of Health benefit model. Result:Mean value of perceived benefit was 3.2+1.54, perceived barrier was 1.7+0.47, perceived self efficacy was 2.69+1.14 interpersonal influence was 2.45+0.73 and situational influence was 2.26+1.2. Nearly 82.8% had perceived benefit on highest scale, 76.2% had perceived barrier on a moderate scale and 52.5% had perceived self efficacy on a moderate scale. Conclusion: The study participants with high self efficacy were able to overcome the barriers and perceive benefit of reduced risk in acquiring nutritional anaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Unusual clinical course Background: Iron deficiency anemia is the most widespread, preventable, and treatable cause of anemia in children. Potential causes of iron deficiency anemia are prolonged breastfeeding with poor quality of introduced solid food and the use of whole cow milk instead of iron-rich formula. We describe 2 unusual cases of nutritional iron deficiency anemia with profound low level of hemoglobin around 1 g/dl, with similar diagnosis and different hospital course. Case Reports: First case: A 20-month-old Saudi boy presented with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis. He was noted to be very pale, with extremely low hemoglobin value of 1.1 g/dl. His nutritional status mostly consists of breastfeeding, with poor iron-rich food. He was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with a complicated hospital course of reversible cardiomyopathy and gut involvement. Second case: A 26-month-old Saudi girl presented with complaints of severe pallor and fatigability for 2 months, with critical result of extreme low level of hemoglobin 1.2 g/dl. A detailed nutritional history revealed being exclusively on pasteurized cow's milk with no solid food intake for 6 months. Conclusions: Neglected cases of nutritional iron deficiency anemia may lead to profoundly low levels of hemoglobin. Possible manifestations include heart failure and gastrointestinal involvement in the form of leaky gut syndrome or exudative enteropathy. IV iron therapy was a very effective treatment in both patients. To our knowledge, probably no reported cases of severe iron deficiency anemia reaching this extremely low level of hemoglobin with multiple associated complications exist in the pediatric literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Anemia is a common problem in outpatient clinics, and endoscopic interventions are one of the initial steps to rule out the gastrointestinal causes. In this study, we aimed to analyze the diagnostic yield of endoscopic interventions in children with severe anemia. Materials and Methods: The demographic features, laboratory findings, and endoscopic and histopathological findings of 65 children with severe anemia (hemoglobin <7 g/dL) (mean age of 12.1 ± 4.4 years, 73.8% female) who underwent endoscopic interventions were recorded from the files. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of positive endoscopic findings and/or histopathological examination. Factors that may predict the presence of positive endoscopic findings and/or histopathological examination were analyzed. Results: After a colonoscopy and/or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, the etiology of anemia was identified in 35 patients, and the major diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori gastritis in 16.9% and gastrointestinal ulcer in 10.8% of the patients was made. No gastrointestinal pathology was detected in 30 patients. The diagnostic yield of endoscopic examination in patients with severe anemia was 53.8% (95% CI: 63.3-67.7). Presence of hypoalbuminemia (P = .021), high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P = .006), and high C-reactive protein (P = .03) was significantly associated with positive findings in endoscopic interventions. Conclusion: We recommend performing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and/or colonoscopy in patients with severe anemia associated with gastrointestinal symptoms and using laboratory findings of hypoalbuminemia, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein in order to rule out gastrointestinal pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The prevalence of iron deficiency, latent and symptomatic, is heterogeneous worldwide. In this study, we aim to explore the prevalence of iron deficiency, with and without anemia, among medical college females at the high Altitude Aseer region of Southwestern Saudi Arabia. Methodology: 200 female medical students were randomly sampled, between the ages of 19 and 27 years. Blood samples were collected for complete blood count (CBC) values and serum ferritin determination. Questionnaires were completed in order to collect demographics, medical history, and socioeconomic information of the participants. Results: Prevalence of overall iron deficiency was high (63%, serum ferritin

Introduction: The prevalence of iron deficiency, latent and symptomatic, is heterogeneous worldwide. In this study, we aim to explore the prevalence of iron deficiency, with and without anemia, among medical college females at the high Altitude Aseer region of Southwestern Saudi Arabia. Methodology: 200 female medical students were randomly sampled, between the ages of 19 and 27 years. Blood samples were collected for complete blood count (CBC) values and serum ferritin determination. Questionnaires were completed in order to collect demographics, medical history, and socioeconomic information of the participants. Results: Prevalence of overall iron deficiency was high (63%, serum ferritin <20 μg/L, 52.5%, ferritin <15 μg/L). Anemia, adjusted for high altitude (defined as less than 13 g/dL was present in 41 participants (20.5%) and 12 (6.5%) have Hb <12 g/dL. Iron-deficiency anemia (Hb <13 g/dL and serum ferritin <15 μg/L) was present in 35 (17.5%). Personal and family history of anemia and poor animal product containing meals were positively correlated with the presence of iron deficiency state. Neither symptoms of anemia, nor the presence of menorrhagia correlate with the presence of iron deficiency anemia. Conclusion: Iron deficiency with and without anemia is a very common and condition in young females' population at high altitude. Implementing a lab method to screen for anemia on vulnerable populations is needed. Frequently asymptomatic, the primary care providers should maintain a high degree of suspicion in order to initiate screening for iron status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Anemia is a global public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries. According to the World Health Organization, the highest number of individuals affected by anemia is observed in nonpregnant women aged 15–49.99 years. Though nutritional anemia can affect any age group, female medical students form a vulnerable population due to their hectic schedules, erratic mealtimes, and long working hours while staying in hostel for majority of times. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the prevalence and awareness of anemia among the apparently healthy female students studying at a health institute. Methods: A cross-sectional study is conducted among 300 female students studying at a health institute in western Maharashtra after their written informed consent. A structured questionnaire elicits their general information, the knowledge about signs and symptoms of anemia, and dietary habits. Basal metabolic index and hemoglobin using the spectroscopy method are estimated for each participant. Results: Anemia prevalence in our population is 86 (28.6%). Based upon the severity of anemia, about 54 (18%) has mild anemia and 32 (10.6%) has moderate anemia. No case of severe anemia is noted in our study sample. Conclusion: The findings of the study highlight that anemia can affect even medical female students who are a vulnerable group unexpectedly suffering from nutritional deficiencies. Thus, this study highlights the need for interventional programs at primary health-care systems and colleges for improvement in the nutritional status of anemic students to reduce its complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescent girls are one of the vulnerable groups in which the nutritional demand increases. One of the most common nutritional problems in adolescent girl is anemia. This risk of anemia increases especially for those living in endemic area of malaria. The relationship between nutritional status and malaria is complex and involves many determinant factors. Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between anemia and nutritional status in adolescent girl in West Sulawesi Province. Material and Method: This study was a cross-sectional and conducted in North Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi Province. A total of 200 adolescent girls as the subjects from 4 schools were selected using two stage random sampling. The variables measured were malaria status, type of malaria, worm status, and nutritional status. Diagnosis of malaria is conducted by health professional based on the result of blood sample analysis (250-500 ml). The type of malaria was observed in the sub-sample (43 students). Nutritional status was calculated after measurement of body weight and height by using weight for height indices (WHZ score). Feces collected are to see the presence of worm infection. Bivariate and multivariate analyzes were performed using chi-square, t-test, and ANOVA analysis using SPSS 15. Result: This study shows that most respondents have decent dwellings. It is characterized by 71.5% having own latrines, 60% having cemented wells, cemented floor (62.5%), and 73.5% tin roofs. This study also shows that the number of malaria was 21.5% and the dominant type of malaria was Tertiana (79.1%). Many of adolescent girls were malnutrition marked by BMI <17 kg/m2, chronic energi deficiency, and anemia (9.5%, 54.5%, 71.9%, respectively). In addition, 28.5% of students were infected with the worms. Bivariate analysis showed that there was no significant association between malaria status and anemia (p = 0.368). However, it appears that those with malaria have lower mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) than non-malaria. Similarly with the indicator of body mass index, adolescent girl with malaria had lower BMI than non-malaria (19.05 kg / m2 vs. 19.39 kg / m2). However, hemoglobin levels in the malaria group were higher than the non-malaria group (11.34 vs. 11.05). Conclusion: The current study concluded that malaria in adolescent girl may have an impact on body composition but not on hemoglobin levels. Further studies need to be done primarily to see the long-term repercussions of repeated malaria in adolescent girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Event of mortality is basically the end of the accumulation process (outcome) of the various causes of mortality directly or indirectly. In Katingan, maternal mortality rate is above the national average since 2013, 2014, and 2015 respectively following cases 322.71, 556.52 cases, and 417.83 cases per 100,000 live births. Meanwhile, national targets are at 228 per 100,000 live births. McCarthy and Maine proposed three factors that influence maternal mortality is close determinants, determinants and determinants far between. Nutritional status, anemia, birth attendants, and the delay between the referral is a determinant of maternal mortality. The design / research design used in the study is analytic observational case control, which is a risk factor research study with retrospective approach. This study was conducted in Katingan for 7 months ie from February to August 2016. The control population consisted of all mothers postpartum in Katingan who did not experience maternal mortality during the years 2013 to 2015. The sample in this study as many as 32 cases. The results showed that the nutritional status, anemia status, and birth attendants have no significant relationship with maternal mortality, with a p-value respectively as follows 0,113, 0,113 and 0,024. However, delayed in reference has a significant association with maternal mortality with p-value = 0.0001. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nutritional anemia or anemia due to dietary causes is the most common form, yet the easiest to manage compared to other forms of anemia. Some of the most common nutritional deficiencies are iron, cobalamin, folate, and also other elements like copper. Anemia due to diet is mostly asymptomatic in the initial phase until the stores are depleted, which can take a few months to several years, depending upon the cause. Methodology: We conducted this review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE from January 1987 to March 2017. The following search terms were used: nutritional anemia, dietary anemia, iron deficiency anemia, cobalamin deficiency, folic acid deficiency anemia, dietary anemia treatment Aim of the work: In this study we aimed to understand about the different types of anemia caused as a result of dietary deficiency. We will also briefly study about their presentation, pathophysiology, and treatment. Conclusion: Various causes, presentations, and complications are associated with different types of nutritional anemia, but they still are the easiest to treat and manage. Most cases are due to an underlying occult disorder rather than simple dietary insufficiency, making diagnosis more difficult in some cases, and requiring thorough history and investigations integration to reach an accurate diagnosis and treat the underlying cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia is one of the most common public health problems globally, and high prevalence has been reported among women of reproductive age, especially in developing countries. This study was conducted to evaluate differentials in the prevalence of anemia among non-pregnant, ever-married women of reproductive age in Bangladesh, and to examine associations with demographic, socioeconomic, and nutritional factors. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study were taken from the 2011 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS). In a sub-sample of one-third of the households, all ever-married women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years) were selected for the biomarker component of the survey, including anemia. The sample size for our study was 5,293. Data were analyzed using multilevel logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of anemia among non-pregnant, ever-married women was 41.3 % (urban: 37.2 % and rural: 43.5 %). Among anemic women, 35.5 % had mild anemia, 5.6 % had moderate anemia, and 0.2 % had severe anemia. Women with no education weremore likely to be anemic than those with secondary education (p<0.01) or higher education (p < 0.01). Undernourished women (BMI < 18.5) were at greater risk of anemia (p < 0.01) compared with normal women, overweight women, and obese women. Anemia was less pronounced among non-pregnant women using contraception (p < 0.05), Muslim women (p < 0.01), and women living in rich households (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The prevalence of anemia among non-pregnant, ever-married women in Bangladesh is high. Illiteracy, poverty, and undernutrition are contributing factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia is a major public health problem worldwide, with adverse consequences on child growth, development, and survival. This deficiency has affected approximately a quarter of the world population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia and the associated factors among preschool children in the Gaza Strip. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and September 2012. A total of 357 preschool children were selected using multistage sampling method from Jabalya refugee camp, El Remal urban area, and Al Qarara rural area. Hemoglobin level was measured, and anemia diagnosis was confirmed at a level <11.0 g/dL. In this study, we utilized a pretested questionnaire for face to face interview with mothers. Anthropometric indicators for children were measured using the WHO guideline. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the prevalence and associated factors of anemia. Results: The overall prevalence of anemia was 59.7% among preschool children in the Gaza Strip, 46.5% and 13.5% of which are mild and moderate, respectively. The mean hemoglobin level was 10.83 ± 0.86 g/dl. Children living in Jabalya refugee camp have a high risk of anemia [adjusted b= -0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI;-0.72,-0.39); p < 0.001]. Boys were more susceptible to this deficiency than girls [adjusted b = 0.17; 95% CI (0.0.01, 0.33); p = 0.031]. Hemoglobin level increased with age [adjusted b = 0.02; 95% CI (0.01, 0.03); p < 0.001]. Hemoglobin level decreased in children living in poor households [adjusted b = -0.24; 95%CI (-0.41,-0.06); p = 0.006]. Underweight children were more susceptible to anemia than normal weight children [adjusted b = - 0.22; 95% CI (-0.41, -0.03); p = 0.025]. Conclusions: The prevalence of anemia among preschool children in the Gaza Strip was higher than those reported in previous local studies, indicating that anemia is a major public health problem. In this study, we also observed mild and moderate cases among children, whereas severe anemia was not observed. Independent predictors of anemia were geographic location, sex, age, monthly income, and malnutrition. Results provided the baseline information on anemia, therefore, especial attention should be given on intervention of anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia during the third trimester of fetal development affects one-third of the pregnancies in the United States and has been associated with postnatal behavioral outcomes. This study examines how fetal iron deficiency (ID) interacts with the fetal monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) genotype. MAOA metabolizes monoamine neurotransmitters. MAOA polymorphisms in humans affect temperament and modify the influence of early adverse environments on later behavior. Objective: The aim of the study was to advance translation of developmental ID research in animal models by taking into account genetic factors that influence outcomes in human populations. Methods: Male infant rhesus monkeys 3-4 mo old born to mothers fed an ID (10 ppm iron) diet were compared with controls (100 ppm iron). Infant monkeys with high- or low-transcription rate MAOA polymorphisms were equally distributed between diet groups. Behavioral responses to a series of structured experiences were recorded during a 25-h separation of the infants from their mothers. Results: Infant monkeys with low-transcription MAOA polymorphisms more clearly demonstrated the following ID effects suggested in earlier studies: a 4% smaller head circumference, a 39%lower cortisol response to social separation, a 129% longer engagement with novel visual stimuli, and 33% lesser withdrawal in response to a human intruder. The high MAOA genotype ID monkeys demonstrated other ID effects: less withdrawal and emotionality after social separation and lower ''fearful'' ratings. Conclusion: MAOA 3 ID interactions support the role of monoamine neurotransmitters in prenatal ID effects in rhesus monkeys and the potential involvement of common human polymorphisms in determining the pattern of neurobehavioral effects produced by inadequate prenatal nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anemia is the World's disease of great attention that generally indicates low hemoglobin concentration in blood. The developing countries are the prime victims of the disease. The majority of scientific publications also focus on these regions. However, patent research focusing on applied developments instead of fundamental scientific results, related to the solution of this problem, cannot be found. Since nutrition is an essential factor in anemia prevention, this article explores the inventive activity in this particular subject area. Although the nature of work is more of an overview, it notes differences in inventions between Western and Eastern countries. The West is more active in medicine and treatment methods, while the East focuses on food technology, enzymes, and microorganisms that promote the absorption of nutrients. At the same time, Western inventions also receive comprehensive protection in Asian countries. Asian inventors, on the contrary, rarely disseminate their results on a wide scale as patenting is limited to national jurisdiction and have a lesser impact on the state-of-the-art. However, the cause for such difference between the regions remains an open question and cannot be answered adequately without incorporating additional factors. Undoubtedly, one should reject the income factor since China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, are recognized as sources of innovations besides Western countries. Moreover, these Asian countries have sufficient resources for large-scale research in chemistry and pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Com o objetivo de estimar a prevalência de anemia e conhecer o estado nutricional de escolares, foi realizado um estudo em uma amostra dos alunos ingressantes nas primeiras séries do primeiro grau das escolas públicas de Osasco, município integrante da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo. O diagnóstico de anemia foi feito através da dosagem da concentração de hemoglobina do sangue colhido por punção digital. O nível crítico utilizado para caracterizar a presença de anemia foi o estabelecido pela OMS. O estado nutricional foi avaliado utilizando os indicadores peso/idade e altura/idade expressos em escores Z e a população de referência do NCHS. A prevalência, de anemia encontrada foi de 51%n. Houve diferença nos níveis de prevalência quanto à localização geográfica das escolas, sendo maior (56,9%) na Região Periférica do que na Região Central (41,7%). A presença de anemia também foi mais elevada em crianças cujos pais eram analfabetos. O risco de anemia foi superior entre as crianças que ingressaram no primeiro grau com idade superior a 8 anos. Não foi constatada presença significante de desnutrição aguda. Os resultados deste estudo destacam a anemia entre escolares como importante problema de Saúde Pública e ressaltam a urgência da implantação de programas de controle da anemia na população de escolares.The authors studied a sample of students entering the first grade in the Osasco public school system in order to determine both the prevalence of anemia and nutritional status. Osasco is part of the Greater São Paulo Metropolitan Area. Diagnosis of anemia was made through the hemoglobin concentration of blood from digital puncture. World Health Organization (WHO) levels were used to define anemia. Nutritional Status assessment. was made through weight/age and height/age indices, using Z score distribution and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference levels. Prevalence of anemia was 51%. Prevalence levels varied according to the schools' geographic location: 56.9% in peripheral neighborhoods and 41.7% in central areas. Children with illiterate parents had a higher prevalence of this condition. Risk of anemia was higher for children who were over eight years of age when entering the first grade. Acute malnutrition was not found. Prevalence was higher than expected and points to the urgent need to establish an anemia control program for schoolchildren in this population.

The article examines how severe chronic anemia could lead to growth retardation, as well as long-term negative effects on the cognitive, motor, and affective development of children and adolescents. It also notes that defective secretion of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) has been identified as one of key mechanisms of delayed growth in iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). It also advises endocrinologists that routine iron supplementation has no significant impact on linear growth in children.

Background: Morbidity problems in women of reproductive age need to be studied extensively for effective strategies to improve their health. Objectives: 1. To study prevalence of morbidity in women of reproductive age group. 2. To study various factors influencing health of women in reproductive age group. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out among women of reproductive age group 15-44 years from November 2005 to October 2006 in an urban slum. Sample size of 203 was calculated and systematic random sampling was done. Haemoglobin estimation was done by Sahli's method. Statistical analysis included percentages, mean and standard deviation, and chi-square test. Results: Prevalence of general morbidity was 31.03% consisting of mainly dental caries in 6.40% and body aches in 5.91%. Prevalence of gynaecological morbidity was 52.22% comprising mainly menstrual problems in 41.38% and white discharge in 12.81%. 59.61% of women were anaemic. Education and anaemia were significantly associated with general morbidity. Association between anaemia and gynaecological morbidity was significant. Interpretation & Conclusions: Prevalence of gynaecological morbidity and anaemia are high and need to be addressed. More emphasis should be placed on Iron and folic acid supplementation in order to prevent anaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]